Jan’s story is similar to my own as far as becoming a writer. I couldn’t find anybody else to write my story either. So Jan, Welcome to my blog. I’m so happy to be hosting you today!

WHY I WRITE

It has been said that a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. I say that a story begins with one word, one sentence, one paragraph.

I always thought someone would come along in life and write our story. In fact, I was sure of it as many people suggested it to us over the years.

But, I awoke one morning to the realization that no one else could write it because I was the only one there and would have to tell it myself. I’ll never forget the elation of attending that first Creative Writing class and how I was sure I could tell this story in a screenplay or one book.

Four books later, the story is now preserved. The screenplay is yet to come.

I never dreamed of being a writer. It was never my goal in life. That goal was my sister’s. I simply had a story that not only begged but, demanded to be told.

My initial approach was to tackle the story in first person. I quickly discovered that wasn’t possible for me. It was too personal, and I couldn’t separate enough from it to objectively relate it.

So, when a girlfriend suggested I create characters to tell the story through, a light came on. That was the perfect answer.

In creating my character, I’d heard the story many times in my life about how my mom had intended to name me Darlene when I was born. But, my older brother insisted that I be named Janice. Knowing that story, I resurrected Mom’s intended name and put a twist on it using Darlina. The last name Flowers simply flowed.

Luke Stone’s character name came from my favorite uncle growing up, Uncle Luke. So, using his name for Rick came easily.

The last names also fit our personalities. I was the soft naïve one while Rick was seasoned in life and hardened by his lifestyle.

And, so the journey began with that first word. If you open “Flowers and Stone,” you’ll find the first word of the first sentence is Darlina.

While becoming a writer was not my goal in life, it fits like a comfortable glove. Four biographical fiction books, five published short stories, a paranormal romance novel along with numerous songs and poems under my belt, I can’t imagine doing anything else.

I love this quote from Ernest Hemmingway, “It’s none of their business that you have to learn to write. Let them think you were born that way.”

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About Shirley Harris-Slaughter

I love old buildings and history. That's why I ended up writing about the history that surrounded me all of my life - "Our Lady of Victory, the Saga of an African-American Catholic Community." Plus our church had closed and the school is torn down, so I felt it was imperative that we preserve the history or it would be lost forever.

Glad you stopped by Micki. I’m just finishing up reading Flowers and Stone. I didn’t know I had it; and The Convict and the Rose as well, just waiting to get read. These tours are helping me remember books that we need to be read. Lol!

Jan, I’m glad that your girlfriend suggested that you write your story and that a passion for writing was sparked! All the best with your tour, enjoy your time in the spotlight! Thank you, Shirley, for hosting!

Hi Jan. I’m sorry I haven’t been following your tour, but I will swing by as many stops as I can. I hope you’re enjoying yourself, and I’m looking forward to hosting you later this week. 😀
Shirley, thanks for hosting Jan. I always enjoy stopping by your blog.

What a great way to add perspective to Jan’s writing, learning more about how the very process of learning and telling their story has transformed her life. Thanks for sharing this, Jan, and to you, Shirley for hosting! Good luck on the tour.

Congratulations, Jan! It’s so wonderful to see you in the Spotlight. Wishing you a fabulous month. Cheers to you! XO
Thanks so much for sharing this lovely post, Shirley. A fantastic kick-off for Jan’s blog tour. 🙂

Congratulations on being selected “Spotlight” author, Jan! You are very deserving of this honor. I enjoyed reading, ‘Why I Write’. It’s great to learn more about you. Thanks for kicking off the “Spotlight” tour, Shirley! 😀 xx